Premium-free Medicare

Q. Do I qualify for premium-free Medicare? I retired in 2005 at age 55 under CSRS, with 35 years of service.

A. Since Jan. 1, 1983, all federal employees have had Medicare deductions taken from their pay. Therefore, you are entitled to Medicare Part A at no additional cost. You are also eligible for Medicare Part B, for which you’d have to pay the premiums if you want that coverage.